Munster Womens Defeat Ulster At Nenagh

The Munster womens team got their season off to the perfect start with a comprehensive defeat of rivals Ulster at Nenagh on Saturday.

The Munster womens team got their season off to the perfect start with a comprehensive defeat of rivals Ulster at Nenagh on Saturday.

The girls in red scored three tries to one winning 17-11, dismantling Ulster in the second half with a ferocious defensive display, astute tactical kicking and a cutting edge with the ball in hand. The game certainly proved to be a tough physical battle reaching a stalemate at halftime with both sides locked at 0--0 neither able to impose superiority. But that changed soon after halftime when a quickly taken penalty from 40 metres out saw Munster drive deep in to the right hand corner to recycle quickly. The ball was spun wide through the backline for vice Captain Patrique Kelly to plunge over to break the deadlock . Theresa Nolan converted for Munster to lead 7-0, a lead which was extended 3 minutes later when another quickly taken penalty from inside their own half saw Fiona Steed race 30 metres to offload to winger Nolan who was able to pop the ball from the ground when tackled to the supporting Steed who crossed wide out for Munster to lead 12-0. Ulster could not seem to take any control with the ball in hand as the Munster defence grew stronger and stronger, each tackle seeming to drive the ball carrier backwards. Outhalf Vivian Boland began to pin Ulster down in their own half with a selection of long kicks and clever chips over the backline though Rachel Reid was able to put points on the board for Ulster with a penalty.The game was put beyond doubt however when player of the match, fullback Amanda Greensmith scored on the left for Munster to lead 17-3. Greensmith, after a shaky start, was superb under the high ball and made many counter attacking forays into the Ulster defence and the try was just reward for an outstanding display. Ulster showed why they remain a force to be reckoned with however , Reid guiding over another penalty and in the dying minutes their perseverance was rewarded with a try to flanker Kath Mullally, after a series of quickly taken penalties inside the Munster 22.

But ultimately it was a well deserved victory for the Munster girls, and with 7 players from last years lineup injured or unavailable there will be now great deal of confidence within the squad to defend their Interprovincial crown. Munster 17 (Kelly, Steed, Greensmith tries, Nolan goal) Ulster 11(Mullally try, Reid 2 penalties)